The National Marine Fisheries Service has proposed a new rule to prohibit swimming with and approaching Hawaiʻi’s spinner dolphins. This activity, popular with visitors, has raised concerns among scientists and conservation groups that frequent human contact can disrupt the dolphins’ natural behaviors, including feeding and resting cycles. The proposal would expand protections under the Marine … Read more

Royal Caribbean International, one of the world’s largest cruise operators, focuses on mainstream vacations rather than premium luxury. Its typical guests include families with children, younger couples and first-time cruisers who seek lively entertainment, active sports, extensive shopping and full-service spas. To meet those expectations, Royal Caribbean outfits its megaships—floating full-scale resorts—with shopping promenades, water … Read more

Starwood Hotels & Resorts will introduce its W brand to Morocco with the opening of W Marrakech. Scheduled to open in 2017, the 148-room hotel will be situated in Marrakech’s lively Hivernage district, roughly 15 minutes from Marrakech Menara Airport. The property will feature a signature restaurant and an all-day dining venue, alongside a destination … Read more

Volaris is strengthening its commitment to connecting friends and families across the border with a new route between León, Guanajuato and Los Angeles. The airline will operate flights between Del Bajío International Airport (BJX) and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) four times weekly, on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. “This route further demonstrates our dedication … Read more

Last month I was invited to Qantas’ North American headquarters, where I met with Ashley Howell, executive vice president, and Anie Hong, North American marketing director. The meeting room overlooked the hangar where a beautiful Airbus A380 was undergoing maintenance—an ideal sight for aviation enthusiasts. © Francis X. Gallagher Later in the month I met … Read more

The Vail International Dance Festival returns July 30–August 13, presenting two weeks of dance against one of Colorado’s most spectacular mountain backdrops. Opening night is July 30 at the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater. This season also celebrates the 10th anniversary of artistic director Damian Woetzel, who rose to prominence as a principal dancer with the … Read more

On June 5, Miami will host one of the world’s most lavish automotive gatherings. More than a hundred supercars will assemble to begin a week-long, high-octane, 3,000-mile route spanning two continents. The event is open to anyone with the right car — and the willingness to pay a steep entry fee of about £40,000 (roughly … Read more

Hurtigruten celebrates its 120th anniversary with special expedition sailings along Norway’s west coast, introducing a new destination: Lyngenfjord. Framed by the dramatic Lyngen Alps for some 52 miles, the fjord lies between Skjervøy and Tromsø and features striking waterfalls, deep canyons and glaciers that create unforgettable scenery. These anniversary voyages depart daily from June 21 … Read more

Depending on who you ask, you’ll get different answers when people talk about underrated cities, and Phoenix, Arizona often comes up. Situated in the southwestern United States, Phoenix may not have the immediate name recognition of New York or Los Angeles, but it offers a surprising variety of activities and attractions that make it worth … Read more

The St. Regis Hotels & Resorts brand makes its Dubai debut this month with the opening of The St. Regis Dubai in Al Habtoor City, the United Arab Emirates’ first fully integrated urban resort. The property offers 234 well-appointed guestrooms, including 52 suites, and a range of luxury amenities designed for discerning travelers. Dining options … Read more